"The Hub" lies in the tranquil village of Eskdalemuir, home to a population of approximately 265 residents. Situated in the Esk valley, the Hub nestles amongst the surrounding hills and sits mere yards from a babbling stream, which runs into the nearby river Esk. Such is the beauty of the region that it was named Holiday Destination of the Year 2015/16 by readers of BBC’s Countryfile Magazine. Due to our close vicinity to the river, you may have to stop to let the local ducks waddle past when you approach. In fact, such is the nature of our quite countryside village, you are more likely to have to slow your car down for crossing ducks than for pedestrians!
The Hub lies just a few minutes drive from the awe-inspiring Samye Ling Buddhist Monastery and Tibetan Centre. Samye Ling centre is usually open to the public, who are free to browse the beautiful grounds, including the 'Peace Garden’ and the magnificent Temple.
The Esk Valley, and surrounding areas, are home to a variety of wildlife. It's not uncommon to see Heron flying by, or Kingfisher scanning the waters for their lunch. If you're lucky you may even see a resident otter, or water vole! We are also home to badgers, foxes, stoats, weasels, deer, woodpeckers, tits, chaffinches, robins, blackbirds, wrens, pheasants and partridges!
The ‘Hub ’is located on the site of the former Eskdalemuir Primary School, which closed in 2004. When the school closed, there was no shop, post office, café, pub or any other facility within 13 miles of Eskdalemuir (except for a small shop at Samye Ling Buddhist Centre, which has limited opening hours). A series of community consultations took place in 2006, and the Upper Eskdale Development Group (UEDG) was formed. This board became the main framework of volunteer support for a project to develop a community centre on the site of the old school. The aim of this was to be able to run a variety of courses, provide arts facilities and exhibitions, rental space for therapies, businesses, and meetings, and to run a shop and a café with a bar. In addition, it aimed to be a focal point for community development across a wide range of themes for all sections of the community, including Social Care and Affordable Housing. In short, to be a place to bring people together, and to make Eskdalemuir a ‘better place to live’ for it’s inhabitants, as well as neighbouring communities. In 2007 the UEDG purchased the disused school, from the Dumfries and Galloway Council (for just £1!). LEADER and the Lottery who, in December 2012, agreed to fund the project with £1.1m. This money was used to rebuild the section of the old school that was built in the 1960s, and for development of the Hub over the next 5 years (with the aim of it becoming self-supporting after this time).
The Community Hub & Cafe opened on 28th September 2014. Various activities began including yoga, regular art exhibitions of local artists, film nights and events.
Since opening the Community Hub has continued to grow and today offers a wide range of items for sale in our shop from local artists and crafters.
It is fast becoming an established name for being a great place to come for a day out, with good quality food, music, art and events.
Plus an increase in therapist and professionals hiring our consultation rooms offering a wide range of services including - podiatry, shiatsu and aruvedic facials. Hopefully expanding in the future to include reiki and many other alternative therapies.
Recently added is our community library, a quiet and comfortable place to browse through a wide range of books and dvds.
Our new and exciting garden project has taken off with exciting ideas for the new year. (Arnold Clark donated £1000 towards raised beds & polytunnel)
This winter (2022) the local NHS Community outreach team have donated £500 to help with health and wellbeing activities.
Alongside the council, community council and ESMP hall we are working to become the centre for a resilience group - a safe gathering space for the community in times of need.
Funding from The Robertson Trust, Muirhall, and National Lottery community fund, means the Community Hub can continue to thrive with new initiatives, making it more efficient, encouraging more volunteers and making it a great place to work and play.
Recently installed EV charger for both cars and bicycles.
Address: The Old School and Cafe, Langholm, DG13 0QJ
Web: https://www.eskdalemuir.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoomforAll